'The Big Bang Theory' Cast And Creators Team Up To Do Something That Is Not Comedy

CBS’ sitcom “The Big Bang Theory” has been ruling the ratings for a long time. Soon to premiere its ninth season, the show has provided comic entertainment at the expense of four quirky, socially challenged scientists, Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Howard (Simon Helberg) and Raj (Kunal Nayyar). Now, the creators and the cast have come together to do something that is not comedy, but charity.

“The Big Bang Theory” team is setting up a scholarship fund at UCLA to provide financial assistance to undergraduate science students there. They have already raised USD $4 million, according to reports.

Los Angeles Times has reported that co-creator Chuck Lorre has contributed to the fund along with all the principal actors of the sitcom, including Galecki, Parsons, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, who plays Penny, Helberg, Nayyar, Mayim Bialik, who plays Amy, and Melissa Rauch, who plays Bernadette. In addition to the cast and creator of “The Big Bang Theory,” Warner Bros. Television, CBS and other corporate partners have also contributed to the fund called Big Bang Theory Scholarship Endowment.

This fall, 20 students are set to receive grants based on their need and academic merit. According to Los Angeles Times, every year, the scholarship program will support five more students. Students pursuing science, technology, engineering and maths would benefit from this fund.

"We have all been given a gift with 'The Big Bang Theory,' a show that's not only based in the scientific community, but also enthusiastically supported by that same community. This is our opportunity to give back," Lorre said in a statement, as quoted by Los Angeles Times.

“In that spirit, our Big Bang family has made a meaningful contribution, and together we’ll share in the support of these future scholars, scientists and leaders,” Lorre added.

“The Big Bang Theory” is set in Pasadena and Sheldon, Raj, Howard and Leonard work at Caltech. Actress Bialik and David Saltzberg may have something to with this decision to set up the scholarship fund at Caltech's rival UCLA. Saltzberg, who is the show’s science consultant, is a professor of physics and astronomy at UCLA. Bialik has earned her doctorate in neuroscience from UCLA, according to reports.

You may write to the writer at a.shrivastava@IBTimes.com.au, with your comments and feedback.